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Red Sox Recall Zack Kelly and Place Him on 60-Day IL After 14th Straight Win
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- Red Sox Recall Zack Kelly and Place Him on 60-Day IL After 14th Straight Win
The Boston Red Sox made a procedural roster move Tuesday after extending their winning streak to 14 games, recalling right-handed pitcher Zack Kelly from Triple-A Worcester before immediately transferring him to the 60-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.
The transaction creates an open spot on Boston's 40-man roster ahead of the trade deadline while Kelly continues recovering from an elbow issue that has sidelined him since early July. Because of the move, the reliever won't be eligible to return until at least early September.
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Kelly appeared in 17 games for the Red Sox earlier this season, posting a 3.31 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 16.1 innings before being optioned to Worcester in late May. He later struggled at Triple-A, recording a 5.71 ERA in 12 appearances before the injury interrupted his season.
Boston's latest roster move comes amid one of the hottest stretches in franchise history. The Red Sox rallied past the Baltimore Orioles 6-5 on Monday night to secure their 14th consecutive victory, moving within one win of matching the club's all-time record set in 1946.
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The Red Sox enter Tuesday at 51-48, sitting third in the American League East behind the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees . Their recent surge has firmly placed them back in the postseason conversation after sitting well below .500 just a month ago.
Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy (17) Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Opening a spot on the 40-man roster gives Boston additional flexibility as the trade deadline approaches. Whether the Red Sox target bullpen help or another area of need, the move positions the front office to make additions without another corresponding roster transaction.
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Kelly's season remains on hold, but Boston's attention now shifts toward extending its historic winning streak while continuing its climb in the American League standings.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
